The Scottish Rugby Union was founded in 1873 and became one of the initial members of the International Rugby Board 13 years later.

Since then Scotland have embarked on a long and proud rugby journey with plenty of notable highs and some desperate lows over the years.

Perhaps the best-remembered low point came at the 1991 Rugby World Cup when Gavin Hastings, ironically one of the best-ever players to pull on the famous dark blue jersey, missed a simple penalty against England in the semi-final. The Red Rose went on to edge a tense encounter.

Scotland have competed in every World Cup since the first one in 1987 but have yet to better reaching the semi-finals and it is difficult to see them emulating that feat any time soon.

The Five/Six Nations has proved a happier hunting ground. They have won the Grand Slam on three occasions, although the last time they managed to do so was way back in 1990.

They were, however, the last team to win the Five Nations title before it metamorphosed into the Six Nations in order to incorporate Italy.

Scotland's record victory was actually achieved relatively recently. They took on a young and inexperienced Japan team and romped home by a 100-8 margin.

However, they were back to a low ebb in the 2009 Six Nations tournament as they finished second bottom of the table, which led to the departure of coach Frank Hadden. It would seem the only way now is up.